The best small-group luxury catamaran cruises for Madeira’s New Year’s Eve fireworks carry between 16 and 35 guests. These shared experiences offer more deck space, comfort and personal service than large-capacity cruises, with drinks and snacks included. Current Madeira.Best options range from €250 to €500 per adult, depending on capacity and onboard service.
If you want a more refined experience on the water without paying for an entire private charter, these premium catamarans offer an excellent middle ground.
Quick comparison: small-group luxury catamarans
| Experience |
Maximum guests |
Duration |
Adult price shown |
Food and drinks |
Best for |
| Madeira New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise – Small Group, Premium Comfort |
35 |
2h30 |
Options from €300 |
Madeiran appetizers, wine, beer, Madeira wine, soft drinks and water |
Food lovers and groups wanting more space |
| Small Group Catamaran for Madeira Reveillon Fireworks Show |
18 |
2h |
€500 |
Open bar, nuts, rissóis, savoury pastries, cheese and charcuterie |
Couples and guests seeking a very intimate atmosphere |
| Madeira New Year Fireworks Boat – Premium Catamaran |
30 |
2h |
€250 |
Drinks, snacks, champagne and raisins at midnight |
Best-value premium catamaran experience |
| Madeira New Year’s Eve Fireworks Luxury Catamaran Tickets |
16 |
2h |
From €430 |
Drinks and snacks |
Smallest group and maximum onboard space |
Prices, inclusions and availability may change. Check the individual experience page before booking.
Compare all Madeira New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises
Why choose a small-group catamaran for Madeira’s New Year’s Eve?
Funchal’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are spread across the natural amphitheatre surrounding the bay. Watching from the Atlantic gives you a wide view of the display, the illuminated hillside and the reflections across the water.
Large shared catamarans are an accessible and lively way to experience the celebration, while private yachts offer complete privacy at a much higher total price. A small-group luxury catamaran sits between the two.
With a maximum of 16 to 35 passengers, these cruises provide:
- More room to move around and photograph the fireworks;
- A calmer atmosphere than boats carrying 100 or 200 passengers;
- Drinks and snacks included during the celebration;
- The stability and generous deck areas associated with catamarans;
- A premium shared experience without the cost of chartering the whole vessel.
They are particularly suitable for couples, small groups of friends, families and travellers who value comfort but still enjoy a sociable onboard atmosphere.
The best small-group luxury catamaran cruises
Small Group Premium Comfort Cruise — maximum 35 guests
The Madeira New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cruise – Small Group, Premium Comfort combines a limited-capacity catamaran with one of the most complete food selections in this comparison.
The cruise is scheduled from 22:30 to 01:00, with check-in at the Atlantic Pearl Kiosk in Funchal Marina. During the evening, guests can enjoy Madeiran appetizers including shrimp rissóis, meat croquettes, canapés, cod fritters, pickled octopus, Madeira-style tuna and garlic prawns. A cheese and charcuterie board, bolo do caco and bread are also included.
The drinks selection includes white and red wine, Madeira wine, beer, soft drinks, Brisa Maracujá, iced tea and water. Music contributes to the festive atmosphere, while the 35-guest limit provides more room than a standard high-capacity cruise.
Best for: Guests who place food, local flavours and onboard comfort high on their list.
👉 View availability and book the Premium Comfort Cruise
Small Group Reveillon Catamaran — maximum 18 guests
The Small Group Catamaran for Madeira Reveillon Fireworks Show is limited to 18 guests, making it one of the most intimate shared catamaran experiences available for New Year’s Eve in Funchal.
The cruise is scheduled from 23:00 to 01:00, with check-in at Funchal Marina at 22:30. An open bar is accompanied by nuts, rissóis, savoury pastries, cheese and charcuterie. The reduced capacity creates a relaxed environment with more personal space and fewer people competing for the best view.
At €500 per adult, this is positioned as one of the most premium shared options. It is best suited to travellers who prioritise a very small group and attentive onboard service over finding the lowest ticket price.
Best for: Couples, special occasions and travellers who want an intimate shared celebration.
👉 View availability and book the 18-guest catamaran
Premium Catamaran Fireworks Cruise — maximum 30 guests
The Madeira New Year Fireworks Boat – Premium Catamaran offers a strong balance of price, comfort and group size. It carries no more than 30 guests and is scheduled from 22:30 until approximately 00:30 or 00:45.
Drinks and snacks are included, together with champagne and the traditional raisins served as midnight approaches. The catamaran departs from Funchal Marina and positions guests for a panoramic view of the fireworks across the bay.
At €250 per person, it is currently the most affordable of the four premium small-group catamarans compared on this page.
Best for: Couples, friends and solo travellers looking for premium comfort at the lowest price in this comparison.
👉 View availability and book the Premium Catamaran
Luxury Catamaran Tickets — maximum 16 guests
The Madeira New Year’s Eve Fireworks Luxury Catamaran has the smallest passenger limit in this comparison, with a maximum of only 16 guests.
The two-hour experience is scheduled from 22:30 to 01:00, with check-in at Luna Madeira in Funchal Marina before departure. Snacks and drinks are included, and the catamaran provides lounge areas, music and a professional crew.
The reduced capacity is the main advantage: fewer passengers means more usable deck space and a particularly comfortable environment for watching and photographing the fireworks.
Best for: Travellers who want the smallest shared group and the greatest amount of personal space.
👉 View availability and book the 16-guest Luxury Catamaran
Which luxury catamaran is best for you?
Best value
Choose the Premium Catamaran for 30 guests. At €250 per person, it provides a limited-capacity cruise with drinks, snacks, champagne and midnight raisins at the lowest listed adult price in this comparison.
Best food selection
Choose the Premium Comfort Cruise for 35 guests. Its menu includes several Madeiran appetizers, seafood dishes, cheese, charcuterie and bolo do caco, together with a broad drinks selection.
Smallest shared group
Choose the Luxury Catamaran for 16 guests. This is the lowest maximum capacity among the four experiences and should provide the most deck space per passenger.
Most intimate premium atmosphere
Choose the Small Group Reveillon Catamaran for 18 guests. Its open bar, savoury snacks and very limited capacity make it well suited to couples and special celebrations.
Best for a group of friends
The 30- and 35-guest options offer a useful balance between a festive social atmosphere and significantly fewer passengers than the largest shared boats.
Small-group catamaran or private charter?
A small-group catamaran is usually the better choice when you want extra comfort but do not need complete privacy. You purchase individual tickets, food and drinks are included, and the crew manages the route and schedule.
A private charter is better when your group wants the entire boat, maximum privacy and an experience reserved only for family or friends. The total price is considerably higher, although larger groups can divide the charter cost between passengers.
If privacy is essential, compare our [private yacht and boat charters for Madeira New Year’s Eve](/book/private-yacht-boat-charters-madeira-new-years-eve). If you prefer a premium shared experience, one of the four catamarans on this page will usually offer better value.
What to expect on the night
Although the precise meeting point and schedule differ between products, these cruises follow a similar format:
- Check in at the confirmed meeting point in Funchal Marina;
- Board the catamaran and meet the crew;
- Enjoy drinks, snacks and the onboard atmosphere while sailing into Funchal Bay;
- The crew selects a viewing position before midnight;
- Watch the fireworks across the city and surrounding hills from the sea;
- Toast the New Year before returning to the marina.
Always follow the meeting instructions on your booking voucher. New Year’s Eve departures operate on a strict schedule, and late arrival may result in missing the cruise.
What should you wear?
Even when the evening feels mild on land, it can be cooler and breezier on the water. Wear comfortable layers and bring a light wind-resistant jacket. Flat, secure footwear is a better choice than high heels or shoes with slippery soles.
If you are sensitive to motion, consult a pharmacist or medical professional in advance and follow the crew’s safety instructions onboard.
When should you book?
Madeira’s New Year’s Eve cruises operate on one of the island’s busiest nights of the year. Small-group catamarans have only 16 to 35 places, so their limited capacity can sell out earlier than larger boats.
Book as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates, particularly if you want a specific group size, menu or level of service. Availability shown online may still require confirmation from the local operator.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best small-group catamaran cruises for Madeira New Year’s Eve?
Madeira.Best currently offers four premium shared catamarans carrying a maximum of 16, 18, 30 or 35 guests. The best choice depends on whether you prioritise the smallest group, the most complete food menu, an open bar or the lowest ticket price.
How much does a small-group luxury catamaran cost for New Year’s Eve in Madeira?
Current adult prices shown across these experiences range from €250 to €500 per person, with some products displaying different booking options. Prices can change, so confirm the final amount and inclusions on the individual product page.
Are these catamarans private?
No. These are premium shared cruises with individual tickets. Their main advantage is the limited capacity of 16 to 35 passengers. If you want the whole vessel reserved for your group, choose a private charter instead.
Which catamaran has the smallest group?
The Madeira New Year’s Eve Fireworks Luxury Catamaran carries a maximum of 16 guests. The Small Group Reveillon Catamaran follows closely with a maximum of 18 guests.
Do the cruises include drinks and food?
Yes. All four options include drinks and some form of snacks or appetizers. The exact menus differ considerably, ranging from drinks and light snacks to open-bar service and a broader selection of Madeiran appetizers.
Where do the catamarans depart from?
The four experiences list meeting points in Funchal Marina. The exact kiosk, vessel or landmark differs, so use the instructions provided on the selected product page and in your confirmation voucher.
Are small-group catamarans suitable for couples?
Yes. The 16- and 18-guest options are particularly attractive to couples who want a quieter, more spacious celebration without paying for a complete private yacht charter.
Is a catamaran a good platform for watching the Funchal fireworks?
Catamarans generally provide generous deck areas and good stability. From Funchal Bay, passengers can see the fireworks spread across the city’s natural amphitheatre and reflected on the Atlantic.
Should I choose a 16-, 18-, 30- or 35-guest cruise?
Choose 16 or 18 guests for maximum space and a more intimate atmosphere. Choose 30 or 35 guests for a more sociable celebration and, depending on the product, a lower price or more extensive food selection.
What happens if the cruise cannot operate?
Operational and weather decisions are made by the crew and operator. Cancellation terms vary between products, so review the policy shown during booking and on your confirmation voucher before paying.
Book a small-group luxury catamaran for New Year’s Eve
These cruises combine the panoramic view of Funchal’s fireworks with limited passenger numbers, onboard service and more room than a high-capacity shared boat. Compare the four options carefully and reserve the catamaran that best matches your preferred atmosphere, inclusions and budget.
Explore all Madeira New Year’s Eve fireworks cruises
